Genelec

Since its founding in 1978, sustainability has been a core principle for Genelec, with equal priority given to environmental responsibility, sound quality, and profitability. The company’s headquarters and factory in Iisalmi, Finland, exemplify this commitment by integrating eco-friendly manufacturing, renewable energy usage, and waste reduction practices. By continually refining its processes and product designs, Genelec aims to minimise environmental impact while setting industry standards for sustainability. This approach ensures that the company not only meets but exceeds global environmental regulations while maintaining its reputation as a pioneer in the pro-audio industry.

Genelec’s sustainability efforts are deeply embedded across all aspects of its operations, from design and manufacturing to supply chain management and product life cycle extension. The company’s factory employs LEAN manufacturing processes to minimise waste, and utilises recycled materials extensively, particularly in its loudspeaker enclosures, which are made from 97% recycled aluminium. This practice significantly reduces energy consumption, as recycled aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed for primary aluminium production. Additionally, the ‘RAW’ finish option on Genelec loudspeaker enclosures eliminates the need for additional painting processes, reducing the use of potentially harmful chemicals and lowering the carbon footprint of manufacturing.

Energy efficiency is a key focus in product design. Genelec incorporates Class D amplifier technology in nearly all its loudspeaker models, achieving energy efficiency levels of over 90% compared to traditional linear Class AB designs. This technology not only reduces overall power consumption but also minimises heat emissions, leading to a lower cooling demand. The company’s Smart IP networked loudspeakers take sustainable innovation further by using a single CAT cable for power, audio, and control, significantly reducing installation complexity and material waste. Furthermore, the integration of Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) technology enables loudspeakers to enter a low-power standby mode when not in use, lowering idle power consumption to just 3 watts.

Genelec’s factory in Iisalmi is another testament to its commitment to sustainability. The facility follows ISO 14001-certified environmental management practices and is powered by CO2-free and partly renewable energy. The company has invested in a solar panel expansion to further enhance its reliance on renewable energy. Waste reduction efforts are also evident in the company’s advanced recycling centre, which allows for efficient waste sorting and disposal. Cardboard packaging used in shipments is composed of up to 100% recycled materials, further supporting the company’s waste minimisation initiatives. Additionally, in 2023, Genelec switched to using packaging bags made from 30% post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic, ensuring better end-of-life degradation and recyclability.

Genelec’s sustainability initiatives have led to measurable and significant environmental benefits across multiple areas:

• Energy reduction: The Smart IP PoE loudspeaker series has proven to be highly energy-efficient. Smart IP’s API programming interface enables individual units to be switched on and off instantly, which in combination with ISS technology reduces operational costs for customers by significantly decreasing overall energy consumption.

• Circular economy support: Genelec has implemented a Certified Pre-Owned programme to extend the lifecycle of its products. By refurbishing and reselling factory-tested pre-owned loudspeakers via its Finnish webshop, the company reduces electronic waste, promotes responsible consumption, and ensures that materials remain in circulation rather than becoming landfill waste.

• Material efficiency: The extensive use of recycled aluminium (97% of total aluminium used) significantly cuts down on the need for virgin materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact associated with raw material extraction and processing.

• Carbon footprint monitoring: Genelec actively tracks its greenhouse gas emissions based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, focusing primarily on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions while making progress in collecting Scope 3 data related to transportation, supply chain operations, and product usage.

• Sustainable supply chain management: Genelec prioritises suppliers that align with its environmental values. In 2023, the company established a Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure that its partners adhere to ethical and sustainability standards. Regular audits and continuous engagement help maintain these high expectations.

While Genelec’s sustainability goals are ambitious, achieving them has required overcoming a variety of challenges:

• Material sourcing difficulties: Finding high-quality recycled materials that meet Genelec’s stringent durability and acoustic performance standards has been a continuous challenge. The company has invested heavily in R&D to develop innovative material blends that meet both performance and sustainability requirements.

• Supply chain alignment: Implementing sustainability measures across the entire global supply chain necessitates extensive communication, training, and supplier evaluations. Ensuring that all partners adhere to environmental best practices requires dedicated resources and long-term collaboration.

• Renewable energy expansion: Transitioning to a fully renewable energy-powered facility requires substantial investment in infrastructure and ongoing collaboration with energy providers. While Genelec has made significant progress, further expansion is still needed.

• Balancing longevity and innovation: Genelec designs its products for long life cycles, which supports sustainability. However, integrating new, more energy-efficient DSP technologies while simultaneously supporting older analogue products requires careful planning and engineering ingenuity.

Beyond internal operations, Genelec actively promotes sustainability within the professional audio industry. At this year’s ISE exhibition, Genelec’s Chief Operating Officer Piia-Riitta Bergman took part in the panel discussion Greening the AV Industry: Innovations for a Sustainable Future, and the company is a frequent participant in sustainability-focused industry events, sponsoring initiatives like the Corporate Star Awards and The Flint Green Line, which encourage sustainable business practices and low-carbon travel. Additionally, Genelec contributes thought leadership articles to industry publications, sharing insights on sustainable design, circular economy practices, and responsible manufacturing.

Genelec’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability is not just a corporate initiative; it is a guiding philosophy embedded in every aspect of the business. Through a combination of innovative product design, responsible supply chain management, and continuous investment in eco-friendly practices, Genelec continues to set the benchmark for sustainability in the audio manufacturing industry. The company’s ongoing efforts demonstrate that manufacturing headquarters can integrate environmentally conscious design and operational efficiency to drive meaningful and lasting change.